PIPER PA-28-235
Crystal, NV — January 30, 2010
Event Information
| Date | January 30, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR10CA124 |
| Event ID | 20100131X55354 |
| Location | Crystal, NV |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 36.30278, -116.00833 |
| Airport | Crystal |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-28-235 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a ground vehicle during a low-altitude maneuver.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he was returning to his home airport and descending for landing, when he saw his friends' car on the dirt road below him. He decided to make a 180-degree turn, and rolled out facing the car. The pilot stated that it looked like he was going to be low so he started a recovery from the descent. The closure rate was too fast and the left main landing gear of the airplane struck the vehicle. The pilot reported that he continued the climb to about 200 feet and made another turn to check on his friend. The pilot subsequently made a forced landing on the road. During the landing roll, the left wing contacted the top of the berm next to the road. During the collision with the vehicle, the left main landing gear had been sheared off.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.